Best first steps to take to get the ball rolling re possible ASD?

[Catsu]

I have a son with ASD (diagnosed) and was very lucky in that it was picked up by my HV and she did all the referrals and made appts for us all along the route to diagnosis.

I ahve a friend who has a child who she haas concerns about re ASD also. The child is 3 (just) and the nursery has also noted concerns and is going to call in someone to observe the child next term.
What is the best steps for my friend to take? She no longer sees a HV.
Should she wait and see the nursery school specialist in September and see what comes from that or best to go to GP herself as well and ask for a referral to a paediatrician? (is it called a developmetal paediatrician?) or is this what the nursery specialist will do anyone and just be dupliicating?

Thanks for advice!

The GP can refer her to the right person (probably a child development paedetrician)

Yes go to GP as there can be a wait to see paed and the sooner on the list the better
Nursery can call in area SENCO who should be able to advise on support the nursery can access eg ASD outreach team, specialist early years teacher service, portage and any funding stream for 1:1 support in nursery (usually available from term after child is 3). So the nursery could get the forms filled out before Sept. Often there is only 1-2 points a year when new funding requests are considered so they need to find out the criteria and rules.
She can self refer to SALT if speech is a concern - again get on list asap
There may be drop in groups for SALT etc at local childrens centres